Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked up a black pine snake that I think has a
problem..or might just be weird. He keeps flopping his head over and over.. Trying to go in circles or loops. It seems to be just his head, like he can't keep it upright. He even props his head up on the sides of the tank, instead of laying flat. The Head is always cocked to one side, or going in circles..OR loops in his case. He does not flop over onto his back, but the head/neck with circle back as if his is trying to flip over and can't complete it. He acts like a rat or mouse with an inner ear problem.. I don't know any other way to describe it. HE IS EXHAUSTING TO WATCH.

I think he has some kind of neurological problem. He is otherwise healthy; eating, pooping good. He is also very strange to hold. No body mass...just body fat.. if that makes sense. I haven't paid for the snake yet, and I don't know if I want to put my heart and money into a snake I might have to put down.

Does anyone know what might be going on??

Billie
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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?

You may be right..that snake might have a neurological problem. I would skip on buying the snake, as I have not heard of many cases like this that end up with the snake being able to turn itself around thru medication, vet visit, etc.

Take care!
Billy
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Genesis 1:1

Sorry to hear this. I hatched a red bull that acts the exact same way. Other than that he was the first to eat and still eats fine, but he's definitely got neurological issues.

The red bull, did it live?? Or was it a life threatining thing.. I was thinking of breeding, but not if this might get passed on. But I also do not want the snake destroyed because the breeder couldn't care less.. But then again, if the snake is going to only get worse, maybe it is better off being put down now..

Billie
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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?

I still have the snake. It is doing fine, other than it has a severe case of the bobble head. I will not sell it under any circumstances. It just hatched a few weeks ago, and so far is eating very well. I plan to hold on to it until it dies of natural causes.